Callie M. Sorrento           Natalie R. Andrews            Serena S. Valentin
Major: Performance        Major: Music Education      Major: Music Education

Callie, Natalie, and Serena were recipients of the Barden Travel Fund in the Spring 2018-2019 Intersession. They had attended the National Opera Association's National Conference Scenes Competition and competed with a scene. They also attended informational lectures and workshops to learn about opera production, music education through opera, and other various facets involving the career toward which they are working.

"This was an experience that I will cherish forever. It was such a privilege to be surrounded by professionals and students in my field. Additionally, me and my peers from WCSU took part in the OperaScenes Competition Finals with a scene from Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” and won second place!" - Callie S. 

This conference offered tremendous opportunities to grow as a performer, a musician, and a teacher (teaching music, opera, etc.), helping to prepare me for a successful and exciting future. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference and compete at a national level. Thank you for your gift, and for making this trip of a lifetime financially possible. - Natalie A.